Reindeerspotting: Escape from Santaland

Reindeerspotting is an unflinchingly raw and candid documentary that delves into the lives of a group of young men in Rovaniemi, situated in the heart of the Arctic Circle. These individuals find themselves caught up in petty crime and the destructive cycle of hard drugs, struggling to break free from their troubled pasts.At the center of this gritty narrative is Jani, a man who has experienced firsthand the harsh consequences of his choices - losing five years of his life and two fingers to his debotators. With a newfound determination to leave behind both Lapland and his former lifestyle, Jani sets out on a perilous journey that involves robbing a supermarket as a means to fund his escape.Parallel to the story of Jani is the tale of Joonas Neuvonen, a documentarian who once shared similar experiences with these young men. As a former user of drugs and recipient of social welfare benefits, Joonas began capturing the daily lives of his friends on camera, ultimately providing an intimate and unvarnished look into the world of addiction, crime, and survival in the Arctic Circle.Reindeerspotting is a compelling portrayal of human resilience and the complex relationships that form among individuals trying to navigate through adversity. As we witness Jani's attempt to forge a new path and Joonas's transformation from participant to observer, the film presents a deeply personal look at the struggle for redemption amidst the harsh realities of life in the Arctic Circle.